Trip Overview
During this 10-day birdwatching and primate expedition in Rwanda, participants will delve into the mountainous Albertine Rift region, which traverses the western portion of the country. This rift is distinguished by its remarkable level of endemism and spans across five African nations, with Rwanda being at its core. Among the 44 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift, Rwanda is home to 29. The mountain forests within the Albertine Rift Valley are also known to shelter numerous primate species, including the endangered Mountain Gorillas, which are endemic to this region. Additionally, visitors will likely observe various monkeys along many of the birdwatching trails.
The key attractions highlighted during this 10-day birding tour include Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southern Rwanda, recognized for hosting the largest variety of Albertine Rift endemic birds, and Volcanoes National Park in the north, renowned for its resident mountain gorillas.
Participants will have the advantage of an experienced Rwandan bird guide throughout the trip, and local guides will be utilized at nearly all birdwatching locations whenever available.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Rwanda and Optional Birdwatching in Kigali
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, you will be greeted by your tour driver who will escort you to your hotel in Kigali City, allowing you time to unwind and overcome any jetlag.
Should your arrival occur in the morning, you have the opportunity to engage in birdwatching during the afternoon around Kigali. A visit to Lake Nyarutarama will allow you to stroll along its perimeter to observe aquatic birds, while scanning the nearby bushes and woodlands for additional species.
Overnight at: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Afternoon Canopy Experience
Rise early for breakfast, and by 7 AM, commence your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, situated in southwestern Rwanda. This national park stands as a primary habitat for Albertine Rift endemic birds, hosting 27 of the 44 bird species endemic to this area. Furthermore, Nyungwe is home to an impressive diversity of primates, with 13 registered species thriving within the park’s boundaries. Visitors can anticipate encountering various species of monkeys along the birding trails.
After settling in at your lodge, you will embark on a tea tour at the adjacent Gisakura tea estate.
Overnight at: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Full Day of Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest
After enjoying an early cup of coffee or tea, prepare for a full day of birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest, traversing the birding trails around Gisakura, Karamba, and Karmiranzovu. The visit to Karmiranzovu offers an excellent chance to observe the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. This location is rich in Angolan Colobus Monkeys and other primate species, which you may encounter along the trails. Additionally, these paths will lead you to the suspended canopy walk, an iconic attraction in Nyungwe Forest that stretches 50 meters above the ground for a length of 200 meters. This walkway affords stunning views of the forest and allows for close observations of aerial wildlife, including various birds and monkeys. A visit here is deemed essential during your stay at Nyungwe Forest Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest – Mt. Bigugu Trail
The day will be devoted to exploring the higher altitudes deeper within Nyungwe Forest National Park. Engage in a full day of birdwatching along the Bigugu trail, which leads you to the summit of Mt. Bigugu (the highest elevation in the park at 2950 meters). This trail is renowned for its productivity in spotting Albertine endemics, including the coveted Red-collared Mountain-babbler. The hike will also grant you breathtaking views of the spectacular Nyungwe Forest landscape.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
You will rise at 4:30 AM and report to the Gisakura park office to meet the park guides for an informative briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking expedition within Nyungwe National Park. This park boasts a robust chimpanzee population of approximately 500, making it one of the prime locations for observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. After your trekking adventure, you will return around noon for lunch and have the option to continue birdwatching later in the day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On this day, you will depart for Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda. The journey will take you alongside the picturesque Lake Kivu, during which you may make periodic stops for birdwatching along the lakeside.
Overnight at: Ingagi Park View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7 – Birdwatching at Rugezi Swamp
Following breakfast, you will journey to Rugezi, Rwanda, an essential habitat for birds recognized as one of the country’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Utilizing a local canoe, you will explore this wetland, which is home to a variety of water and swamp birds, including the Albertine Rift endemic, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park
On this day, you will ascend into the verdant Virunga Mountains, embarking on a hiking and birdwatching expedition. Approximately 200 bird species have been documented in Volcanoes National Park, including 15 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. You will traverse the Lake Ngezi trail on Mount Bisoke, navigating through bamboo and hagenia forests, which typically yield fruitful sightings of Albertine Rift endemics.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Optional Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today, you will embark on the renowned adventure of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, providing a unique opportunity for an up-close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas, which are native to the Albertine Rift Valley.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Departure
This day, you will return to Kigali in preparation for your afternoon flight.
Optional Activity
Prior to your departure for Kigali, you may wish to participate in a golden monkey tracking tour in Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkeys are exclusive to the Virungas and the Albertine Rift Valley, residing in the bamboo forests at lower elevations, making the trek relatively easy, often taking as little as 30 minutes to locate them. These striking monkeys present excellent opportunities for photography.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch.
Trips includes
- Tour car and tour driver/guide
- Professional birding guide (may double as driver as well)
- All meals listed
- Accommodation
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All activities in the itinerary
- Drinking water
Excludes
- Optional activities
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, curio purchases
